Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!) Recipe

If you’re searching for a dinner that’s as beautiful as it is quick, Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!) will absolutely steal your heart (and your taste buds). Imagine tender salmon fillets bursting with a savory mix of wilted spinach, creamy feta, and sweet roasted red peppers. This Mediterranean-inspired main dish is as healthy as it is stunning—perfect for both easy weeknights and head-turning entertaining. Ready in half an hour, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!) is in its delightful simplicity. Each ingredient serves a purpose: from the lush richness of salmon to the salty tang of feta and the vibrant pop of roasted peppers. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:

• Salmon: Use four 6-ounce, center-cut fillets—longer pieces are easiest to stuff and look gorgeous when sliced open.
• Olive oil: You’ll need two tablespoons total: one for sautéing the filling, one for brushing onto the fish for moisture and shine.
• Baby spinach: Three cups give the filling richness, nutrition, and that gorgeous green color.
• Italian seasoning: Just a teaspoon infuses the filling with an herbaceous Mediterranean flair.
• Paprika (regular or smoked): Pick your favorite—the pinch of paprika brings warmth and gentle depth.
• Cayenne pepper: A simple pinch is all you need for subtle heat in every bite.
• Feta cheese: A 5.3 ounce block, crumbled—feta’s creamy, briny taste is essential for richness.
• Parmesan: A quarter cup of freshly grated parmesan adds nutty, savory notes to the creamy filling.
• Roasted red peppers: Only a quarter cup, diced—these sweet, tangy gems add vibrant flavor and color.
• Salt and pepper: Seasoning both the salmon and filling ensures every layer pops with flavor!

How to Make Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!)

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place each salmon fillet skin-side down on the sheet. With a sharp knife, carefully slice down the middle of each piece, lengthwise (but don’t cut all the way through)—you’re creating a pocket for that heavenly filling.

Step 2: Season the Fish

Brush the salmon with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. This ensures every bite of Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!) is perfectly seasoned and stays tender during baking.

Step 3: Sauté the Spinach Mixture

In a large pan over medium heat, warm the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the baby spinach, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the spinach is just wilted. The herbs will become fragrant, signaling it’s time for the next step.

Step 4: Add Feta, Parmesan, and Peppers

Turn off the heat. Add the chopped roasted red peppers, crumbled feta, and parmesan to the pan. Stir well, mashing the feta a bit so it blends into the spinach and coats everything. The filling should be cohesive and stick together, making it easy to stuff into your salmon pockets.

Step 5: Stuff the Salmon

 

Divide the spinach-feta mixture evenly among the salmon fillets, tucking it carefully into each pocket you created. The colors and aroma will already have your mouth watering! Repeat until each piece is generously filled but still able to close.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 17 minutes, adjusting for the thickness of your salmon and how well-done you like your fish. When it’s ready, the salmon should be perfectly tender with an opaque, whitish-pink color. Remove, let cool briefly, and serve your stunning Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!) hot from the oven.

How to Serve Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!)

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley, an extra twist of lemon, or just a dusting of extra parmesan sets off the dish’s colors and flavor. For a beautiful finish, you can even add a few microgreens or extra roasted peppers on top to echo the filling.

Side Dishes

There’s so much flexibility in what you serve alongside Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!). For something hearty, try it over nutty farro, quinoa, or brown rice. Pasta, orzo, or couscous tossed lightly with olive oil, herbs, and a shower of parmesan makes an ideal base; or keep it classic with roasted potatoes or sweet mashed potatoes for a comforting touch.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, slice each stuffed salmon fillet into thick medallions so the colorful filling peeks out of every slice. Arrange them over a bed of lightly dressed greens or a grain salad, drizzle with a touch of olive oil, and serve on a platter for an eye-catching centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While this dish is at its absolute best fresh from the oven, Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!) holds up wonderfully for meal prep or next-day lunches. Simply cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

To freeze, let your cooked stuffed salmon cool fully before wrapping each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. For the best texture, enjoy within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, place the salmon in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This gentle reheating helps maintain the flaky, juicy salmon without drying out the filling.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

You can, but for the best texture and ease of stuffing, opt for fresh (never frozen) salmon if possible. If using frozen, fully thaw in the fridge and pat dry very well before preparing.

Is there a substitute for feta cheese?

Yes! Goat cheese will give you a similarly creamy, tangy vibe, or you could use ricotta for a milder, softer filling. Adjust seasonings as needed since feta is quite salty and briny.

Can I customize the stuffing ingredients?

Absolutely—feel free to add sun-dried tomatoes instead of roasted red peppers, swap in sautéed mushrooms, or experiment with different herbs like dill, basil, or oregano for a twist on the flavor.

What’s the best way to check if the salmon is done?

Cut into the thickest part of a fillet: it should be opaque rather than translucent, and flake easily with a fork. If you have a thermometer, aim for 145°F at the thickest spot for perfectly cooked Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!).

Is this dish gluten free?

Yes, as written, Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!) is naturally gluten free—making it a wonderful option for guests with dietary restrictions or for anyone aiming for a lighter, wholesome meal.

Final Thoughts

Give your weeknight dinner (or special occasion table) a flavorful upgrade with Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!). It’s approachable, deeply satisfying, and always leaves everyone at the table raving—don’t wait to make it part of your meal rotation!

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